Old Riverton Inn…Then And Now…
Old Riverton inn was originally opened in 1796 by
Jess Ives and was known on the post route between Hartford and
Albany as Ives Tavern or, as in some records, Ives Hotel.
There were
several rival stage companies in operation between New Hartford and
Riverton. Each stage driver stopped at his favorite inn, where he
received special favors in return for bringing his passenger to that
tavern.
In 1940,
partitions were removed from the first floor, creating the present
dining room which seats 90 guests. A barn in the yard was razed and
its timbers were hewn down and used to replace some of the beams in
that room. The area originally contained a famous “prohibition
day bar.” At the same time a new addition containing the
Hobby Horse Bar and front lounge was built. The wallpaper used
in the lounge and dining room was created by Nancy McCelland
and its design was taken from an old hat box. The floors of the
addition were constructed of Vermont flagstone, greatly admired for
its beautiful patina. Murals in the Hobby Horse Bar were
painted by Bobby Walsh, who created murals at the New York
World’s Fair in the late 30’s. Saddles on kegs still remain as
bar stools.
Porches at the
front of the building were removed to create a wider swing in the
roadway where the inn stands. Their removal revealed the classic
architecture of the building. A bay window replaced the original
front door, its glass taken from the same barn which provided the
replacement beams for the refurbished dining room. The graceful
fan-light door, which had originally been the entrance form the
second story porch, was moved to the newly-created lobby and
provides the present entrance.
An outdoor
terrace was also added. Its floor was constructed of grindstone
which, according to records over hundred years old, were quarried in
Nova Scotia, sent by ship to Long Island Sound, and transported up
the Connecticut River to Hartford. They were then hauled by oxen to
Collinsville where they were used in the making of axes and
machetes. In 1954, the Grindstone Terrace was enclosed so
that it would be available for year round use. The room, with its
white wrought iron furniture and raised fireplace, is very popular
for private parties. On cold winter nights, a fire glows on the
hearth, illuminating the old iron kettle which hangs over the
embers.
Today the Inn
continues to provide hospitality for the hungry, thirsty, and
sleepy.
